Chinese Rocket Debris is Possible to Fall near Cagayan, Ilocos Norte

Marie Test

According to the Philippine Space Agency, debris from a Chinese rocket may fall between Cagayan and Ilocos Norte in northern Luzon.

According to PhilSA, a Long March 7A (CZ-7A) rocket was launched on Tuesday at 9:19 p.m. from China’s Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan Island. (This is Manila time.)

According to the agency, it was able to confirm the predicted drop zones of the rocket debris via a warning issued by China’s Civil Aviation Administration.

“Two drop zones within the Philippine territory have been identified based on the NOTAM: Drop zone 1 is approximately 71 kilometers from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, while drop zone 2 is approximately 52 kilometers away from Sta. Ana, Cagayan,” According to a PhilSA advisory,

The organization cautioned that falling rocket debris poses a “significant hazard to ships, airplanes, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zones,” but added that it is unlikely to hit human regions or land features.

In July of this year, the core stage debris of a Long March 5B rocket landed in the Philippine seas after an uncontrolled reentry.

“In the case of Long March 7A, the possibility of a similar uncontrolled reentry of the rocket’s upper stages cannot be ruled out at this time,” it stated.

The agency urged the public to quickly notify local authorities if suspected rocket debris was discovered.

“PhilSA also cautions everyone against retrieving or coming in close contact with these materials,” it stated.

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